Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2007-08: Kevin Connauton impressed many in AJHL (Alberta Junior Hockey League) when he tallied 45 points in 56 games in 2007-08.

2008-09: Connauton was a freshman at Western Michigan University, scoring seven goals and 11 assists in 40 games.

2009-10: Connauton made the jump to the WHL. He’s at the top of the league in rookie scoring and tied for first in point production for defensemen in the dub. He was voted as having the hardest shot in the Western Conference by 45 players, management and broadcasters from the 10 clubs in the Western Conference of the WHL. Connauton is poised to break Brent Regner’s (CBJ) single-season point total of 67 points for a Giants defenseman, and should be able to do it in fewer games.

2010-11: Connauton skated in 73 of 80 games for the AHL’s Manitoba Moose in his first pro season and was a key part of the Moose’ power play while gradually showing improvement with the defensive aspects of his game. He scored 11 goals with 12 assists, including 3 power play goals, and was -11 with 51 PMs. Connauton was hampered by a lower body injury in the playoffs and appeared in just 6 of 14 games; finishing -2 with 1 goal, a short-handed score.

2011-12: Connauton skated for the Chicago Wolves, Vancouver’s AHL affiliate, in his second pro season. Playing on a defense pairing with NHL and AHL veteran Nolan Baumgartner for much of the season, he was the leading scorer amongst Wolves defensemen. Connauton scored 13 goals with 20 assists in 73 games and was minus-three with 58 penalty minutes. The Wolves finished first in the Midwest Division and lost to San Antonio in overtime of the decisive fifth game in their first round series with the Rampage. Connauton had an even plus/minus with 1 assist and 8 penalty minutes in the series.

2012-13: Connauton spent most of his third pro season with Vancouver’s AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, before being obtained by Dallas in April in the deal that sent Derek Roy to Vancouver. Connauton finished the season with Dallas AHL affiliate Texas and was the team’s leading scorer in the AHL playoffs. In 69 regular season games with the two teams he scored 9 goals with 22 assists and was -10 with 73 penalty minutes. The Texas Stars finished first in the South Division and reached the second round. Connaughton scored two goals, both on the power play, and had 3 assists; finishing -7 with 6 penalty minutes in nine playoff games. Connaughton was re-signed by Dallas to a three-year contract in June, 2013.

Talent Analysis

Connauton's bread and butter is on the power play. Connauton uses his hard shot with great effectiveness. Of some concern is the fact that this total accounts for almost 70 percent of his overall production.

He is not an overly physical player but can still play the body when needed. His best assets are his ability to make plays from the blue line and his patience and poise while in possession of the puck. Connauton has a smooth stride and good foot speed.

Future

Connauton was dealt to the Dallas Stars by the Vancouver Canucks in April of 2013 in the deal that sent Derek Roy toi the Canucks.

Photo: Winger Alex Guptill has two goals, two assists through his first five games of 2013-14, contributing to Michigan’s 4-1-1 start to the season (courtesy of Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)

The Dallas Stars, amid management and coaching changes, have gathered quite an impressive herd of prospects in recent years. The aforementioned front office changes obviously have a trickle-down effect with regard to the on-ice product and as a result, many of these terrific prospects have gotten at least a taste of NHL action.

Photo: Valeri Nichushkin, the Stars’ 10th overall pick in 2013, will make the transition to North America in 2013-14 (courtesy of ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images)

The Dallas Stars, now under the new management of long time Red Wings assistant General Manager Jim Nill, continue to augment their stellar prospect group. Adding blue-chip prospect Valeri Nichushkin really helps to push the Stars further into the elite category among league-wide cupboards.

Photo: Rookie pro Alex Chiasson was sidelined by injury after a great debut in Dallas. Upon his return during the AHL playoffs, other injuries in the Texas lineup forced him to make the difficult shift to center (courtesy of Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)

Despite a resolute late push by the now-younger Dallas Stars in the regular season, they were unable to clinch a playoff berth for the fifth consecutive season. And once again, upheaval was afoot. The Stars sacked head coach Glen Gulutzan after two seasons but not before canning general manager Joe Nieuwendyk as well. Conversely, at the minor league level, the Texas Stars enjoyed a very successful regular season and won a playoff round.

Photo: Nicklas Jensen, shown here skating for Team Denmark, is expected to return to North America after his season ends in the Swedish Elite League. (courtesy of Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

For the Vancouver Canucks organization, regular season success over the last half-decade has been a dual-edged sword. Winners of multiple President’s Trophies and continually atop the Northwest Division standings, any neutral hockey enthusiast might think it is crazy to label their success a bane. But on two levels, this success has presented challenges that few organizations would covet.

Photo: Defenseman Chris Tanev has been one of the best blueliners at both ends of the rink for the Chicago Wolves thus far in 2012-13. (courtesy of Zuma Press/Icon SMI)

Considering that the Chicago Wolves have played the fewest games in their conference to this point in the 2012-13 season, they are enjoying a modicum of success. Though currently sitting in 10th spot, the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks is still within striking distance of a top five seeding.